Kareena is a role model for Soniya Mehra

Published: Monday, June 25, 2007, 11:22 [IST]

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Entry of a star kid in Bollyood has always been filled with excitement for the audiences. After seeing many star sons and daughters, now the people are eyeing to see Late Vinod Mehra's daughter Soniya Mehra who is playing the character played by Saira Bano in the remake of Victoria No.203. As for now, Soniya is the reason for curiosity of the audiences because of her father and the film. Come; let's know about her personal life and films from Soniya herself.

Tell us something about your character in Victoria no. 203. In this film I play the role that was played was Saira Bano in the original version of 'Victoria No. 203'. In this film my name is 'Sara' who runs Victoria (a horse chariot) and she is the bread earner of the family.

How much have you tried to copy Saira Bano in this film? I have not copied Saira Bano in the film. Yes, I have used some of her looks and if I had copied her completely then the audiences would have said that she has copied Saira Bano.

How much justice you have done to the character? I can't say anything now on this. I think it would be better if the audiences see and decide for themselves.

You are from London. How much have you prepared for a place in this film industry? When I was seven years old, I did a workshop of ten years from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic arts. After that I have studied in the Educational School of London. I have also done a acting course from Anupamji's academy.

We have heard that you got this film because of Anupam Kher... Yes, it is true that I got this film because of him. I would have not been able to do anything if Anupamji was not there. Kamal Sadana (producer) did not want to give this role to any newcomer. He had chosen Amrita Arora for this role, but I don't know what happened. Anupamji praised me a lot and he called me for screen test. Working in Hindi films has been my dream and I am happy that I got such a good start.

Are you learning Hindi to establish yourself in the film industry? Yes, I have three teachers to teach me Hindi. They teach me two hours daily. Including this, I read children's Hindi books. At home I talk to my mummy, mausi and both brothers in Hindi. Whenever my family members talk to me in English I say, "Please talk to me in Hindi". The main reason that I want to learn Hindi and do my dubbing myself is because when I saw my Dad's last film 'Pather ke Phool', he died before the dubbing of this film and someone else had dubbed the film. When I saw it I could not see the expressions of my father. And after all, a lot of importance is given to voice in this industry and this is why I did the dubbing of this film.

How much do you miss your father?When my father died, I was just one-and-a-half-year old. My mother tells me that he used to love me a lot. He used to treat me like a queen. I lived with my nana and naani (mother's parents) and they never let me remember him. They also treated me like my father did. In my childhood when I was in school, all the kids used to make cards during Fathers' Day, and then I used to miss him a lot. I miss him even now. If he would have been here he would have told me about Bollywood. But I feel that he is seeing me and giving his blessings.

How much benefit did you get being Vinod Mehra's daughter? Everyone is thinking that I got this film because of this reason Yes, I am Vinod Mehra's daughter, but I did not get the film for that. They don't know that I have worked hard for it being part of this industry and it has been my dream. Before coming here, I was associated with theatre in London and wanted to join Hollywood, but I thought first I will first establish myself in Bollywood and then think about Hollywood. Now there is little difference between Hollywood and Bollywood. I think that after five years, there will be no difference and both will become one.

Which actress inspired you the most to come to the film industry? I like Kareena Kapoor a lot as she has established herself in Bollywood on her own and not because she is a star kid. One day I would like to become like her. I am also influenced by Rekhaji and Katrina Kaif. I have become a fan of Katrina for the way she learned Hindi and about Rekhaji I would like to say that I like her acting.

Excluding this, which other films you are doing? As for now, I don't want to talk about this. It would be very early to talk on this issue. Yes, when I was shooting for the film I got a few offers, but due to date problems I could not do those films. One was with UTV productions titled 'Bombay High' and I can't talk about other offers as I have been instructed not to so.